Key Club and Student Senate start an anti-bullying initiative
Stand up for what you believe in and respect yourself and others. This is the mantra the members of the BKW Key Club and Student Senate would like fellow peers to adopt and integrate into school life. After all, this is their second home, a place for learning and a social outlet - it should reflect the very people who roam the halls. But because of bullying, some students feel they can't be themselves.
Kids in schools all over the country are facing this very issue. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that between 2001 and 2007, bullying has increased and, in 2009, one in five high school students reported being bullied on school property.
The students here at BKW are looking for a change. They also know the goal to eliminate bullying and unify all students within the BKW schools is a difficult task, but is a goal they embrace fully.
It all started with a stroke of inspiration after the students saw the "Be an Ally" website created by Channel 6 News. They decided that as members of organizations within the school that are positioned to lead classmates, they had to be the ones to get people to listen, not the teachers.
"These students are natural and school-wide leaders. Being a voice for people who are not spoken for is what leaders do," said Robert Bentley, the Key Club and Student Senate Advisor. "As a teacher I can tell students to be kind and respectful to one another, but they're teenagers - it's not cool to listen to me."
Key Club members wearing blue in support of anti-bullying at BKW.
The Key Club and Student Senate members are setting an example and telling their classmates to "be a friend - make it end." To kick off their year-long initiative, on Wednesday, Dec. 14, the students asked everyone to wear blue, the color of anti-harassment, in support of their goal.
They've also designated Wednesdays as anti-bullying initiative days and will be providing themes and events to include the student population in their efforts and get them on board. An upcoming event, Change It Up Day, is one where students break free from their friends and sit with people at lunch that they don't normally sit with. The hope is that eventually, getting to know their peers on a deeper level will create more empathy and foster a more unified community of students.
If you're a parent and you'd like more information on bullying, visit the resources section at http://www.stopbullying.gov.
Channel 6’s Be an Ally Website
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